Some of the stories coming out of Rhode Island right now beggar belief. It is an flood unprecedented in Rhode Island history. I have never seen anything like it. The blizzard of 78 comes close, in terms of shutting down the entire state. Here’s a video of some of the devastation. My mother could not believe the amount of water in the basement – although what she experienced was not as severe as some other towns (North Kingstown, West Warwick) – My mother had Lucy yesterday (I “spoke” with Lucy on the phone during the flooding – got a big loud sound from her that I pretended was “HI, AUNTIE SHEILA”) so she couldn’t be racing up and down the cellar steps dealing with all the water. Pat was coming to pick up Lucy – normally it is a 15 minute drive – it took him hours, due to the flooding and blocked off roads. Eventually, they got a pump going in the basement, which went on all night, and the situation (at least at my mother’s) is under control. Other people have not been so lucky. Schools, businesses, shut down. The Facebook statuses of my Rhode Island friends are insane, pumps, and evacuations, and staying up all night hauling buckets of water out of their houses. Hang in there, home state.
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Its crazy!!! I am fortunate that we don’t have a flooded basement. Everyone else I know does. I don’t know if you are a “fan” of the SC Independent on facebook, but they have a lot of photos and updates being posted.
How was it for Jayne? Your parents?
all dry! However in Warwick, the sewage treatment plant is shut down so no one is supposed to flush, shower, or wash anything.
Thanks for thinking of us. Looks like the sun might come out soon. Fingers crossed.
Mere – Yeah, I saw that bit about the sewers.
Al – yes, fingers crossed!!
Looks like at least some of the roads in peace Dale are opened again – Mere, did the river by the old APC plant overflow? You know – that little bridge by the Peace Dale Library?
Anyway: thinking of you all!
You should see the mall parking lots, Sheila. Cars nearly submerged…it’s incredible. We are so lucky our basement is dry – I know people a block away who’ve had flooding. The kids have no school today, and it let out early yesterday – mainly, I think, because of the sewage treatment plant shutdown. Bill called a few times on his way to work in Smithfield – a chunk of 95 is shut off, as you know, and there’s been a logjam of people trying to squeeze onto 295 all day now. Crazy.
I’ve been so worried for you guys! Hang in there!!!
Jayne – unbelievable. Glad you guys were spared.
I’m driving home on Good Friday (early morning) – wonder what the state of affairs will be then.
Sheila- the Guild park was under so much water, you couldn’t even see the footbridge that crosses the river. Palisades Mill parking lot was under 6 feet of water, and the first floor windows all burst and the water was pouring in.
When you come home, don’t come down Rt.138. The bridge by Taylor’s Landing is closed and will be for about a month.I had to get near the train station today, and could only get there by going down Rt.1 south, over to Rt.2 in Charlestown then meeting back up with Rt. 138. I would take Exit 92 in Connecticut (for Rt.2 and 4), bear right at the bottom of ramp. Proceed thru a few lights until you see the sign for Rt.78 on the right. Follow this until the end, and this will hook up with Rt. 1 in Westerly.
Beth – thanks! Yes – I heard about Taylor’s Landing – but didn’t know 138 would be out for so long – that’s insane!!! I know that route 78 route – I’ll definitely do that.
Can’t wait to see you!